Blogging About Life As I Know It

Reasons to not attend Graduate School

I wasn’t really sure what to label this post. I definitely did not want to come off as discouraging. However, I wanted to be honest. I am a promoter of receiving an education. I think that if you have a desire to attend college you should. I understand that college is not necessarily for everyone.

Below I am listing a few reasons you should NOT attend graduate school. Or at least postpone the decision to go. If you find you fit the one of the reasons below, you may want to rethink why you are wanting to go.

Cost. College is expensive and the price keeps climbing. I can only imagine what it will be like for my future children. I was lucky enocugh to receive grants, scholarships, and TOPS for my undergraduate degree. However, graduate school I was not as lucky. I had top pay out of pocket and receive some financial assistance from Sallie Mae.

Competitive. Graduate school is different than undergraduate in that it is very competitive. Everyone is not accepted from the application process and everyone isn’t accepted after the interview process. There is competition in trying to find not just an internship but, the best internship as well.

Time Consuming. There is a lot of studying, homework, reading, and even group meetings to be had. Oh, let’s not forget presentations to prepare for, as well attending your internship and any take home work related to your intern. Usually when you drive home for class you want to fall straight into bed; however, can’t forget to do your work especially if there is a test the next morning.

Takes a while to complete. Sometimes you aren’t able to graduate in the time you initially imagined when you started off. Life happens.

It’s hard. Every major and every school is different. I say this often, but it’s true. Graduate school is intended to continue your education so you learn more. You also will be moving at a faster pace than you like or than you are used to. Sometimes you may have to forgo going out with friends and family to study.

You must work. Everyone has to work, I understand money pays bills and makes the world go round. However, you may not be able to continue your job as you enter graduate school. Or you may have to change your job in order to be able to attend classes and an internship.

No luck finding a job. Graduate school is not a substitute for a career. You don’t choose graduate school because you don’t want to work. A graduate degree does look good on your resume. However, sometimes employers may look for more experience, depending on your field or degree, over education. Certain fields require more education. Unfortunately, certain jobs won’t hire you because you may be overeducated. It’s bad because you want a job, you need to work but employment can be rare.

Because you are broke. There are those students who enter school to supply them an income. I understand not being in a financially good spot (I’ve been there). However, entering graduate school for the sole purpose of receiving a refund is not the answer. Eventually you will have to pay that money back. It may not be a lot as a monthly payment, but just think what else you could put that money towards.

Curious about another field. Graduate school is not the place to go for curiosity. Instead, try Google, visit your local library or talk to someone in that particular field. Don’t waste time going to school for a degree you will not fully utilize.

Just Because. Don’t make a life out of being a “professional student.” Sometimes graduate school seems like the answer because you don’t know what else to do. Take some time off, find work somewhere you never got the chance, explore other interest and look for work or volunteer opportunities.

If you are contemplating the decision to go I hope this helped you. Do you have a reason to not attend graduate school?